As moms, we spend all our time on others, leaving our tanks empty without enough left for ourselves.
I’m tired of that “norm” – I don’t want to perpetuate the narrative that moms have to do it all and set aside everything that has made us who we are. All the daily tasks that fall on our shoulders leave little time for us. I want to have energy at the end of the day to do the things I enjoy and that make me happy.
My kids and my family bring abundant joy, but there were quite a few years in early motherhood when I felt I lost who I was. I know it’s just that season of life: three small kids, a full-time job, a dog, and attempting to have some semblance of communication and connection with your partner. It was easy to ignore the things I loved doing when everyone else needed me.
Putting the needs of all others before your own becomes second nature for most of us, and that can leave us wondering who we are outside of the role of Mom. On the other side of my third and final postpartum journey, I now can care for my tribe while also caring for myself.
Well, I’m making the time now. As the world feels heavier than ever, I am creating time to decompress, get creative, and lean into the hobbies I have always loved. My favorite hobbies include:
1. Give Me All the Books!
2. Gardening Girlie
Last year, I dove deep into my home gardens and upgraded everything I planted in my soil. As the winter months drag on, any sunny, slightly warm day has me yearning to get outside and get my hands in the dirt. In the late fall, I planted over 200 bulbs for a spring color explosion of tulips, daffodils, and lilies. Once the last frost hits, I will plant beds of zinnias and hydrangea and try my hand at dahlias and peonies.
Tending to the garden takes time, but I love it so much! A few years ago, my hobby did not go beyond a few potted plants. Now, I am eyeing even more areas around my yard that I can plant in, tend to, and grow.
3. Sourdough Everything
Over the last few years, everyone with a mason jar has started making sourdough bread. I waited through the initial popularity, thinking it wasn’t for me. In the last months, I have not only built a strong sourdough starter but also started a sourdough obsession! I buy my flour in bulk and have my feeding and baking routine down. I feel so much satisfaction from making something; the end product is absolutely delicious!
Sourdough is a labor of love. It takes time, patience, and a little math to get it just right. The problem-solving that comes with baking bread is enjoyable, and there is nothing better than fresh-baked bread! I dream of one day making this hobby into something more, but for now, a loaf or two a week feels just right.
4. Craft Time
Arts and crafts are in my blood—my mom was the “art lady” at camp growing up, my aunt is an extremely talented painter, and I was an elementary school teacher for six years—I love crafting! My girls have an overflowing art cart that holds all their colored pencils, paints, popsicle sticks, and glue.
A few years ago, I bought myself a starter kit for embroidery after seeing someone on Instagram create a beautiful flower bouquet with thread. Like most things, I set it aside for when I had more time, and about two years later, I am finally making the time. I have watched the How-To YouTube videos and am ready to practice this new art form.
